Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment & Information Technology

The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of the top research institutions in Africa.

The Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment & Information Technology (EBIT) offers a compulsory community-based learning offers students the opportunity to put their work into practice, teaches students valuable life skills and empowers local communities.

EBIT combines top facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and stimulating training to produce highly sought-after experts in the fields of civil, electrical, industrial or mechanical engineering, mechatronics, information technology, quality and operations management, quantity surveying, and construction management.

The UP Social Responsibility Programme is a vital link between students and their community. It a great opportunity for the students to learn and make a difference in society.

“There is a more to engineering than just solving complex questions on a piece of paper and getting them right. Engineering is broad and can change someone’s life and make a difference in society,” said Paul Ssali, Mechanical Engineer and former programme mentor.

 “We work with Stanza Bopape Community Centre. We do computer training. The centre identifies beneficiaries for us and we train them on the Mamelodi Campus. We also install their irrigation systems, fix their library and make their websites,” explained Dr. Martina Jordaan, Senior Lecturer, and JCP Project Facilitator.

“Students are coming to universities with fresh ideas, innovative ideas and this helps the centre to grow and make a difference in the society,” added Zanele Nkabinde, Centre Administrator at Stanza Bopape.

Kutumela Molefi Primary Farm School in the City of Tshwane Rural also acknowledges that the UP EBIT is bringing change to their students and community.

“The UP students are bringing a lot of skills to our school. As teachers, we wouldn’t know everything and it is worse when it comes to engineering. We get assistance on the issues we specifically need help with. This goes a long way and saves the community,” explained Kutumela Molefi Primary School Principal Mr. Alfred Moemisi

The department continues to find ways to support teachers, schools, and the community to increase the country’s education participation level.

Engineers have a solution based approach to every problem. They have a human approach that makes a difference in society. That is one of the most important outcomes of the EBIT. The human-centric approach allows the engineers to understand to put the community at the centre of all the problems they want to solve. That is the only way to impact the society.

“We have been training people every year for the past 12 years. We train campus community partners and an average of 400 people on basic computer skills every year. We renovate, build, and maintain a lot of their buildings,” said Dr. Jordaan.  

The students are getting exposure to the communities as this non-profit initiative continues to make a difference in society.

“The outreach programs are extremely important because they benefit both us and the society. This gives us more value and morals as students,” said Demettria Mtenga 3^RD Year Engineering Student.

“Making a difference in the society is fulfilling. We realise that we do not only have to do good for ourselves only but for other people,” said Ahmed Kader, a 3^rd Year Student.

The university has given the students the opportunity to be able to use their technical expertise to make a difference in society. And it is a journey.

The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & IT

The UP Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT (EBIT) has locally relevant and internationally competitive programmes at both undergraduate and graduate levels. This attracts high-quality students and staff that have the ability to make a difference in the society.

The faculty is well resourced in terms of teaching and research facilities and houses several research institutes. It maintains close links with industry that supports teaching, research programmes and the community.  

UP maintains strong links with industry through student bursaries, scholarships, and internships, and offers a range of programmes that support the community.

Degrees in the Built Environment address the social, spatial and infrastructural needs of a transforming South Africa through making a difference in the society.